A thrilling start to the new biathlon season — and the competition is already fierce. The 2025–26 BMW IBU World Cup began under gusty skies in Östersund, Sweden, setting the stage for a captivating weekend of team relays and fresh rivalries. Saturday’s season opener featured the women’s 4x6 km and men’s 4x7.5 km relays, with national pride on full display — and Olympic dreams beginning to take shape.
A total of 21 nations brought their best athletes to the snow to see how months of grueling preparation would hold up against real competition. The stakes were higher than usual; this event also launched the qualification period for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. In other words, every shot fired and every second gained could influence a team’s Olympic trajectory.
France sets the tone in women’s relay
The French women wasted no time making a statement. Clocking a winning time of 1:11:17.9, the team of Olympic champion Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Lou Jeanmonnot, Jeanne Richard, and Océane Michelon commanded the field with precision and composure. It wasn’t a runaway victory, though — Italy pushed them to the limit, finishing just 13.8 seconds behind to secure silver. Led by Olympians Dorothea Wierer, Michela Carrara, Lisa Vittozzi, and Hannah Auchentaller, the Italians showed strong teamwork and resilience despite difficult conditions.
In a nostalgic twist, Czechia returned to the women’s relay podium for the first time since 2019. Markéta Davidová, Tereza Voborníková, Lucie Charvátová, and Jessica Jislová seized third place, marking a proud resurgence for the nation. Meanwhile, the U.S. team — Chloe Levins, Deedra Irwin, Luci Anderson, and Margie Freed — placed 16th, using the race as an early-season learning opportunity.
Norway begins a new era with a win
The men’s relay brought a symbolic changing of the guard. With legendary brothers Johannes Thingnes Bø and Tarjei Bø now retired, many wondered if Norway could maintain its dominance. The answer? A resounding yes. Isak Leknes Frey, Martin Uldal, and Olympic champions Sturla Holm Lægreid and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen combined for a commanding 1:11:10.1 finish — proving the Norwegians still reign supreme.
France, featuring Eric Perrot and Olympians Fabien Claude, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and Émilien Jacquelin, chased hard but fell 15.3 seconds short. Sweden claimed third place behind their home crowd, with Viktor Brandt and Olympic veterans Jesper Nelin, Martin Ponsiluoma, and Sebastian Samuelsson finishing just 24.7 seconds adrift.
Veteran Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen anchored Norway’s effort with ice-cold composure, delivering a perfect final standing shoot that left no doubt — the next generation of Norwegian biathletes is ready for the spotlight. The U.S. men’s team impressed with a solid fifth-place finish, trailing the winners by 1:25.
What’s next in Östersund?
The action continues Sunday with the single mixed relay and mixed relay events, where teamwork and precision will again take center stage. Will France and Norway extend their momentum — or could another nation upset the favorites?
But here’s where it gets interesting: With the Olympics looming, every team now faces the tricky balance between chasing early results and staying fresh for the long season ahead. Is it smarter to go all out in December, or focus on peaking at the Games? That’s the debate dividing fans and coaches alike.
What’s your take — should teams prioritize early dominance or play the long game toward Olympic glory? Share your thoughts below!
